A group Frome youngsters had their dreams come true when they got behind the wheel of a car for the first time at Haynes Motor Museum in Yeovil.
24 youngsters aged between 10 and 18 from FAST (Frome Autistic Support Team), visited Young Driver on 20th March, to give them the chance to try driving in a safe and controlled environment.
Because Young Driver lessons take place on private property it can teach anyone aged 10 and over, including those with disabilities which may mean they will never be able to legally drive on the roads.
Many of the children, some of whom brought along siblings, have autism/aspergers, with some being non-verbal. In dual controlled cars, accompanied by fully qualified instructors, they manoeuvred through the mock road system, navigating obstacles, trying their hand at parking and practising changing gears.
FAST is a parent run support group which meets monthly for parent-to-parent mutual support, coffee and a chat at the Bridge Centre in Frome. Every year it organises a variety of fundraising events, which provide the essential funds to allow the children the opportunity to participate in social outings and activities which would otherwise prove impossible due to their complex needs and requirements.
Sarah Drake, who helps run FAST said, “It’s likely that some of the youngsters won’t ever get the chance to drive on the roads, but of course like any teenager, they want to try new experiences and have the opportunity to do things that their peers would. Driving was something they were really excited to try and we were delighted when we realised they could get behind the wheel with Young Driver at Yeovil.
“The instructors were fantastic, and it was great to see the children gain a sense of independence, yet in a fully supported environment. It really helps with their self confidence. We’re hoping to make it a regular event for them.”
Kim Stanton from Young Driver added, “Because we run lessons on private property it means we are able to provide lessons to younger pupils, or those who may not be able to drive on the road.
“We work with people with a variety of disabilities including those who are blind or deaf, have prosthetic limbs, are in wheelchairs, or have learning disabilities or neurological disorders. At four venues we have automatic/adapted vehicles with hand controls.
“The feedback from the lessons is always that they really help build self confidence, and of course also that the drivers have great fun! We were delighted the youngsters from FAST had such a great experience. They were all very talented young drivers!”
Young Driver was set up in 2009, and has now given more than 275,000 lessons at more than 40 venues across Britain. As well as offering the chance to try driving to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience it, the scheme also aims to reduce the high number of accidents involving newly qualified drivers by teaching youngsters from an earlier age and over a longer period of time. On average, one in five currently crash within six months of passing their test, as opposed to one in 10 Young Driver past pupils.
For more information visit www.youngdriver.eu or call 0844 371 9010. For more information about FAST email Sarah –
pylefarm@talk21.com
